Safeguarding Your Personal Information On Interactive Online Networks
Today, people can’t do without interactive networks such as Youtube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Facebook and X to name a few. It’s that simple. They’ve become part and parcel of our daily routine and as normal as making coffee (or tea if that’s your tipple). It’s totally normal for us to give out personal information while on social media, gaming or visiting online stores.
But all that aside, there are risks in this that people don’t always properly appreciate. Every day we witness attempts by cyber criminals (or ‘hackers’ to 90s kids) to take advantage of weaknesses in data protection in order to steal data, so it is important to protect yourself.
Let’s explore how.
1. Strengthen Your Passwords
Using a strong password is among the most basic yet most efficient ways to protect your accounts in interactive online networks. It probably goes without saying that you should steer clear of the obvious and commonly used passcodes (your name followed by your date of birth for example!).
It’s key to be creative and come up with a combination that uses capital letters and small letters, numbers, as well as at least one but preferably two or more special characters. On top of that, it’s important not to use identical passwords on all sites so that in the unfortunate event that one does get breached – it’s not the end of the world.
For simplicity’s sake, think about employing a password manager. This will help you produce strong and hard-to-guess passcodes that are different on every site, as well as keep them in one handy (and safe) place.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
No matter how strong a password is, it can still be hacked. It’s not cynicism, that’s just the way things are and something to bear in mind, no matter how positive you’re feeling. That’s where two-factor authentication (2FA) comes in.
2FA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring you to verify your identity through something you own – such as a mobile phone – along with your password. Or, for added security, your iris or fingerprint. But how does that look in a real world use case?
For instance, after entering your password, you might receive a one-time code sent via SMS or a notification through an authentication app. Many platforms, including social media sites and online marketplaces, offer 2FA as an optional security feature.
Two of the most common apps for authentication are the Google Authenticator or Microsoft’s Authenticator. It’s wise to always enable it for added peace of mind.
3. Be Cautious About What You Share
User-generated content is the life of interactive online platforms, and let’s put on our introspection caps for a minute: we all give out too much personal information today, far too easily. Make sure not to share important details such as your full name, addresses, financials, phone numbers etc., unless it’s absolutely necessary.
For instance, if you’re into gambling, joining or at least exploring anonymous casinos can be a better idea since they do not have (Know Your Customer) KYC or requirements for verifying personal details. They’re ideal for players who’d prefer to fly under the proverbial radar, but might also lead to higher risk of gambling addiction.
In addition, you should be careful not to disclose a lot of personal information in messages or chat because cyber criminals can use such information to customize phishing emails or outright steal identities.
4. Watch Out for Phishing and Scams
Cybercrime comes in many different forms; phishing is among the most popular ones. This type of attack often comes in the form of deceptive emails, messages, or pop-up ads that appear legitimate, enticing you to click on links or enter personal information.
They often have websites that open up that look identical to real sites, but there are a couple of tells. Always double-check the sender’s email address and the URL before clicking any link. That’s usually the first and easiest way to spot if you’re being duped.
As the old saying goes, if something seems too good to be true then it probably is. Be especially wary of unsolicited offers, prize claims, or requests for payment information.
If you’re ever in doubt, contact the organization directly through verified contact details rather than responding to the message. If you get an email saying your long lost relative has a treasure chest waiting for you, and all he needs is your bank account number, it’s probably not wise to reply!
5. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
It’s important to think about using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) while shopping online, just browsing around, or engaging in social networks. By encrypting your internet connection, a VPN ensures that your personal information is kept safe and cybercriminals cannot easily intercept your data. Public Wi-Fi poses a greater risk to the security of your data. So, it becomes even more essential to take these measures into account.
A VPN also masks your IP address, making it harder for third parties to track your online activities and location. This added layer of privacy can help protect your sensitive information from being exposed in digital spaces.
It’s not completely foolproof and top-tier intelligence agencies probably have ways to work around them, but VPNs are without doubt a superb tool to have in your inventory in the battle against cyber fraud.
6. Keep Software Up to Date
Cybercriminals are always on the prowl for outdated software because it’s an easy target for their malicious activities. So, it’s crucial that you keep on updating your operating system, web browser and even all applications and games for security. These updates usually contain patches which are meant to seal certain security holes which may have been left open and susceptible to cyber criminals sneaking inside to do their dirty work.
In addition to keeping your system and software up to date, ensure that your antivirus program is also nice and up to date. This adds an additional layer of protection against malware and other cyber threats. Again, not foolproof and certainly not a guarantee against any and all threats – but all these things add up to make you pretty impenetrable.
7. Review Privacy Settings
Privacy settings provided on various online platforms and social networks enable users to limit and define their audiences. Take the time to review and adjust these settings to restrict access to your personal data.
A real world example? You could ensure that your social media profiles are in private mode and prevent any viewing of sensitive posts or pictures. Similarly, on messaging apps, you could set it so that your profile picture is only visible to people in your contacts list.
Also, keep an eye on permissions for apps and games you use. Ensure that you’re not granting unnecessary access to personal information like your contacts, location, or camera.
Summary
Wrapping it all up, we can say that it’s indeed possible for us to connect, socialize and have fun through interactive online networks but that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Or in simple terms, you’ve got to be careful as there are risks around every virtual corner. To reduce the risk of personal information leakage, follow these basic Internet security measures: creating complex passwords, turning on two-factor authentication, thinking twice before sharing anything over the Internet, and utilizing VPNs. Be mindful and remember that there are many cyber criminals lurking in the dark depths of the digital environment today.
